iO Global announces first order for its new 3G mobile content managed service from O2 subsidiary, Manx Telecom

  • iO Global to manage delivery of content for Europe’s first commercial, super-fast third generation (3G) mobile data network
  • World’s first fully integrated mobile content management solution deployment

(Ipswich – 9th November 2005) - iO Global Limited, the leading worldwide provider of integrated mobile content delivery solutions, today announced the first order for its new managed service for the delivery of 3G mobile content from Manx Telecom – a subsidiary of O2. The iO Global service will be used to manage and deliver all content for Manx Telecom’s new 3G mobile data network on the Isle of Man. This network, which incorporates HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) technology, is Europe’s first commercial, super-fast third generation 3G mobile data network.

The managed service provided by iO Global is unique in addressing the management of the full supply chain for digital content, from acquisition, packaging and pricing through to delivery and real-time billing to the end user. It allows all parties to focus on core competencies – the content provider creates content and manages its lifecycle while the service provider markets and sells content using dynamic portal interfaces to create unique customer propositions for its 2.5G and 3G subscribers.

iO’s managed service has been developed from ‘carrier-grade’ technologies, originally developed within BT and is designed to integrate easily with a Service Operator’s existing environment as a converged solution across fixed and mobile network and billing systems. The service is fully automated to facilitate the marketing and delivery of dynamic content services such as TV, newspapers and radio programmes, real music, pictures, video and audio such as news, 3D games and mobile applications, in addition to the more conventional content such as ring tones, wallpapers and games, to mobile devices and PCs.

The iO solution is supplied as a managed service on a revenue sharing model that allows rich content to be delivered quickly and easily with minimal capital expenditure and up-front costs. The service supports open standard technologies allowing any device to use any content over any network. The use of standard technologies further speeds deployment, facilitates integration with existing systems and reduces risk. The iO Global service supports the marketing and delivery of all forms of mobile It also supports real-time billing, reporting and settlement.

Brendan Dowling, CEO of iO Global said: “Our service has been designed to be the number one digital content delivery service in the world. It supports the delivery of dynamic new services, to generate greater revenues and improve profit margins, by facilitating partnerships that will drive efficiencies and increase the variety and quality of services to provide a better end-user experience. The aim is to provide compelling, relevant content and services that are easy to use and easy to pay for. The iO service has been developed through extensive collaboration over a number of years with Telco’s and content owners across the globe and has been built with market needs in mind. We are delighted to be working with Manx Telecom and O2 and that our first deployment forms part of such an advanced new network on an island renown for innovation in services.”

Chris Hall, Manx Telecom managing director added: “iO Global’s managed service provides us with a highly flexible, comprehensive and completely scalable solution. It also enables us to deliver high quality, rich content, from both local and global providers, to our customers quickly and easily with the minimum of up-front investment.”

The managed service provided by iO Global is a truly global solution designed to enable network operators and content providers to accelerate development and delivery of digital content for 2.5G and 3G mobile content. It is controlled via web interfaces, supports virtually any data-network architecture or mobile device and incorporates powerful integrated workflow management features. It is also designed to integrate with existing systems to speed deployment and support real-time reporting and account management. The use of open standards and a revenue share business model enables rapid deployment and greatly reduces implementation costs.

The iO service is currently available and parties who are interested in the iO service should contact BT Global Services, the BT line of business providing networked IT services to meet the needs of multi-site organisations globally. BT Global Services operates in more than 130 countries and also offers international carrier services.

ENDS


Notes to Editors

About iO
iO Global Limited is a new venture funded by BT and New Venture Partners LLC (NVP). It was formed to develop and market solutions to support the delivery of mobile content. The core iO technologies are based on research and development that began nearly five years ago in BTExact, BT’s research, technology and IT operations business. Since then it has been continually developed and further enhanced with the integration of commercially developed software.

The iO service is currently available through BT Global Services

About O2 plc
O2 plc has 100% ownership of mobile network operators in three countries - the UK, Germany and Ireland - as well as a leading mobile Internet portal business. All of these businesses are branded as 'O2'.
The company is a founding member of Starmap Mobile Alliance, has operations on the Isle of Man (Manx Telecom) and owns Airwave O2 - an advanced, digital emergency communications service. In addition, O2 has established the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses in the UK and Germany respectively.

O2 has more than 25 million customers and some 15,000 employees. It reported revenues for the year ended 31 March 2005 of £6.683 billion.

For further information please contact:

Alan Norman
iO Press Relations,
anorman@iogloballtd.com
Tel: +44 (0) 118 9737601
www.iogloballtd.com

Simon Gordon
Head of Media Relations
O2 plc
simon.gordon@o2.com
Tel: +44 (0) 771 007 069

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